There are, though, varieties which are good for outdoor bedding; they are not hardy and should be treated as annuals. Give as much light as possible. There are really few drawbacks apart from they will need watering … Can I bring them indoors before they die in the winter cold? Busy lizzies' stems are succulent but weak and flexible. Flowers may be in shades of pink, red, white and orange. Grow in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered spot in the border. Busy Lizzies like to grow in a shaded area of the garden, though is tolerant of sun. Seeds are very small and I have found germination is erratic. Yes, all 3 will overwinter indoors. This photo was taken in May. Soil must remain evenly moist, otherwise the stem and leaves quickly wilt. They are the sort of plant that just knows what to do; no special treatment is required to get them to bloom. There are a few seeds germinating, I was following the instructions on the packet which said to sow on top of soil and then cover with plastic, they are in a greenhouse but not heated, so will try putting them in a black sack tomorrow for a few days, thanks again for the advice. This is the second year I have tried busy lizzies from seed. If you first plan to grow Busy Lizzie and other Impatiens species indoors then the process should be started about 9 or 10 weeks before transplanting out a few weeks after the last frost of spring. The root easily in just water and can then be potted up, and you can overwinter them indoors for planting after the frosts next yar. This photo was taken in May. 11 May, 2008; Featured on: busy lizzies The bud and leaf is dying off before it can develop any further. Conservatories are ideal or close to a window that receives plenty of sun, but not too much summer direct sun. Busy Lizzie Tips Buy plug plants or seedlings and grow them on until the danger of frost has gone. Impatiens plants prefer a rich, well manured soil of pH 6 to 7. Being such versatile plants you can grow them as pot plants, like the one above, in hanging baskets, in wall pouches or as bedding plants. These qualities have made Busy Lizzies one of the most popular bedding plants here in the UK. Flowers and flowering Busy Lizzie for most of the year indoors and all of the summer outdoors. Can I save my outdoor Busy Lizzy plants by bringing them indoors for the winter? Pots of colour. Before planting out, your plants will benefit from being hardened off or acclimatised to the lower outdoor temperatures. They are growing tall not bushing out and they have so many tiny leaves and very many buds on them at the bottom of the plant, but they do not seem to be getting any bigger. The problem getting busy lizzies to flower indoors is providing the plant with enough light, which they thrive on. Growing and care: The most trickiest part of growing impatiens indoors is providing enough light, keeping temperatures above 60°F (15°C), and watering enough. Busy Lizzies enjoy sun or partial shade and require well drained soil If planting in borders incorporate organic matter such as Westland Soil Conditioner first. Busy Lizzie is the common name for impatiens and you can see why. Hi Mini, Thanks for your reply. I know the feeling of when you grow a plant from seed - there is nothing to stop you taking cuttings from your busy lizzies for next year. There are a few seeds germinating, I was following the instructions on the packet which said to sow on top of soil and then cover with plastic, they are in a greenhouse but not heated, so will try putting them in a black sack tomorrow for a few days, thanks again for the advice. This is the second year I have tried busy lizzies from seed. Some are bicoloured and some have a double layer of petals. Cuttings from all will root in clear containers of water. This photo is of a Busy Lizzie which we had growing on our kitchen table for some months during 2007. More about caring below. Busy Lizzie have a succulent stem and need plenty of water when they are growing quickly. The flowers come in shades of red, white, pink, and orange. Busy Lizzie makes a truly splendid house plant. Hi Mini, Thanks for your reply. Busy Lizzie are great for shady areas because nothing flowers in those positions as well as they do. Plants will also thrive in pots or hanging baskets Busy Lizzies are well known as houseplants and indoors will often flower almost continually.